Electrical combination, electrical component and battery charger

ABSTRACT

An electrical component, such as, for example, a radio, an audio component, a battery charger or a radio/charger. The electrical component includes a housing and an electrical circuit supported by the housing. In some aspects, the electrical component is an audio component and the electrical circuit is an audio circuit. In other aspects, the electrical component is a battery charger and the electrical circuit is a charging circuit. In further aspects, the electrical component is an audio and battery charger combined and the electrical circuit is an audio and charging circuit. A battery may be connectable to the housing and electrically connectable the electrical circuit. The electrical component may include a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing. A biasing member may be positioned within a receptacle defined by the housing and operable to bias the battery out of the receptacle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/291,868, filed Nov. 8, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,541which claims the benefit of co-pending Provisional Application Ser. No.60/379,068, filed May 9, 2002, and co-pending provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/344,431, filed on Nov. 9, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electrical components and, moreparticularly, to, for example, a radio, an audio component, a batterycharger or a radio/charger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An electrical component, such as, for example, a radio, an audiocomponent, a battery charger or a radio/charger, includes a componenthousing supporting an electrical circuit, such as an audio circuit, acharging circuit, or both, respectively. In some electrical components,such as the radio, a battery is electrically connectable to the audiocircuit to operate the audio circuit to produce audio signals. In someelectrical components, such as the battery charger, a battery iselectrically connectable to the charging circuit to be charged by thecharging circuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One independent problem with the above-described electrical componentsis that the electrical component can only accommodate one type or sizeof battery in the electrical component's battery receptacle. Forexample, the construction of the receptacle may limit the battery size.Also, the position and structure of the assembly to connect the batteryto the electrical component may limit the battery size.

Another independent problem with the above-described electricalcomponents is that the battery is difficult to remove from the batteryreceptacle.

A further independent problem with the above-described electricalcomponents is that the battery is free to move within the batteryreceptacle and, therefore, may become disconnected during work siteoperations.

Yet another independent problem with the above-described electricalcomponents is that existing radios and audio components are not useablewith a slide-on power tool battery.

Another independent problem with the above-described electricalcomponents is the lack of storage for accessories useable with theelectrical component, such as, for example, a cell phone and anauxiliary audio component.

A further independent problem with the above-described electricalcomponents is that the electrical components are not rugged and may bedamaged at a work site during normal and/or adverse working conditions.

The present invention provides an electrical component, such as, forexample, a radio, an audio component, a battery charger or aradio/charger that substantially alleviates one or more of theabove-described and other problems with existing electrical components.More particularly, in some constructions and in some aspects of theinvention, the invention provides an electrical component, whichaccommodates batteries of different sizes. Also, in some constructionsand in some aspects of the invention, the invention provides anelectrical component in which the battery is biased out of the batteryreceptacle to move the battery to a more accessible position forremoval. In addition, in some constructions and in some aspects of theinvention, the invention provides an electrical component in which thebattery is locked in a position relative to the electrical componenthousing. Further, in some constructions and in some aspects of theinvention, the invention provides an electrical combination including anaudio component and a slide-on power tool battery connectable to theaudio component. Also, in some constructions and in some aspects of theinvention, the invention provides a combination including an electricalcomponent and an accessory bag connectable to the electrical componentto store accessories useable with the electrical component. In addition,in some constructions and in some aspects of the invention, theinvention provides an electrical component having a rugged, durableconstruction and/or structure.

More particularly, the invention provides an electrical component, suchas an audio component, including an audio component housing, a circuitsupported by the housing and operable to produce an audio signal, abattery being connectable to the housing and electrically connectable tothe circuit, and a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in aposition relative to the housing. The housing may define a receptacle,and the battery may be supportable in the receptacle. The audiocomponent may further include a biasing member positioned in thereceptacle, and the biasing member preferably biases the battery out ofthe receptacle. Preferably, the battery is a power-tool battery operableto power a power tool.

The locking assembly may include a locking projection on one of thebattery and the housing and a recess defined by the other of the batteryand the housing. Preferably, the locking projection is movable between alocked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock thebattery in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position,in which the battery is movable relative to the housing. The lockingassembly may include an actuator operable to move the locking projectionbetween the locked position to the unlocked position and/or between thelocked position and the unlocked position. The locking assembly may alsoinclude a biasing member biasing the locking projection toward thelocked position.

Also, the invention provides an electrical component, such as a batterycharger, including a charger housing, a charging circuit supported bythe housing and selectively connectable with a power source, a batterybeing connectable to the housing and electrically connectable with thecharging circuit such that the charging circuit is selectively operableto charge the battery, and a locking assembly operable to lock thebattery in a position relative to the housing.

In addition, the invention provides an electrical component including ahousing defining a receptacle, an electrical circuit supported by thehousing, a battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectableto the electrical circuit, and a biasing member operable to bias thebattery out of the receptacle to an ejected position. The biasing membermay be supported within the receptacle. The housing may also include acover selectively closing an open end of the receptacle. The cover mayinclude a second biasing member selectively biasing the battery into thereceptacle.

In some constructions, the electrical component may be an audiocomponent, and the electrical circuit may be an audio circuit forproducing an audio signal. In some constructions, the electricalcomponent may be a battery charger, and the electrical circuit may be acharging circuit connectable to the battery and operable to charge abattery. The battery may be a power tool battery, such as, a slide-onpower tool battery or a tower power tool battery.

The electrical component may also include an electrical connectorassembly for connecting the battery to the electrical circuit. Theelectrical connector assembly may be supported in the receptacle. Theelectrical connector assembly may include a support portion supportingthe battery. The support portion may be movable relative to the housing,and a biasing member may bias the support portion toward an open end ofthe receptacle to bias the battery to the ejected position.

The electrical component may also include a locking assembly operable tolock the battery in a position relative to the housing. In someconstructions, the locking assembly may be a cover supported by thehousing and selectively closing the open end of the receptacle to lockthe battery in the receptacle.

In some constructions, the locking assembly may include a lockingprojection on one of the battery and the electrical connector assemblyand a recess defined by the other of the battery and the electricalconnector assembly. The locking projection may be movable between alocked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock thebattery in a position relative to the electrical connector assembly, anda unlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to theelectrical connector assembly.

In some constructions, the locking assembly may include a lockingprojection on one of the electrical connector assembly and the housingand a recess defined by the other of the electrical connector assemblyand the housing. The locking projection may be movable between a lockedposition, in which the projection engages the recess to lock theelectrical connector assembly in a position relative to the housing, andan unlocked position, in which the electrical connector assembly ismovable relative to the housing. In these constructions, the lockingassembly may also include an actuator movable between a locked positionand an unlocked position. The locking projection is in the lockedposition thereof when the actuator is in the locked position thereof,and the locking projection is in the unlocked position thereof when theactuator is in the unlocked position thereof.

Further, the invention provides an electrical combination including anelectrical component, such as an audio component, including an audiocomponent housing having a support portion, and a circuit supported bythe housing and operable to produce an audio signal, and a slide-onpower tool battery supportable by the support portion of the housing andoperable to power a power tool.

Also, the invention provides an electrical component including a housingdefining a receptacle, an electrical circuit supported by the housing,and a connector assembly movably supported by the housing and connectinga battery to the electrical component. The battery may be one of a firstbattery having a first dimension and a second battery having seconddimension. The first dimension is different than the second dimension.The receptacle may selectively receive one of the first battery and thesecond battery. The receptacle may accommodate only one of the firstbattery and the second battery at a time. The connector assembly ispreferably movable relative to the housing to selectively accommodatethe first battery and the second battery.

The connector assembly may include a support portion movable relative tothe housing, and the battery is preferably supportable on the supportportion. One of the battery and the support portion may include aprojection and the other of the battery and the support portion maydefine a recess. The projection is preferably engageable in the recessto connect the battery to the connector assembly.

The connector assembly may also include a connector terminal assemblyconnected to the electrical circuit and movable relative to the housing.The battery may include a battery terminal assembly, and the batteryterminal assembly is preferably connectable to the connector terminalassembly to connect the battery to the electrical circuit. The supportportion and the connector terminal assembly may be preferably movablerelative to the housing.

In addition, the invention provides an electrical component including ahousing defining a receptacle having an open end, the housing includes acover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle, and anelectrical circuit supported by the housing, a first battery beingsupportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit,the first battery having a first dimension, a second battery beingsupportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit,the second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension beingdifferent than the second dimension, the receptacle selectivelyreceiving one of the first battery and the second battery.

The electrical component may further include a movable support portionpositioned in the receptacle for selectively supporting one of the firstbattery and the second battery. One of the support portion and the oneof the first battery and the second battery may include a projection andthe other of the support portion and the one of the first battery andthe second battery may define a recess, the projection may be engageablein the recess to support the one of the first battery and the secondbattery on the support portion. The movable support portion may includea track with a protrusion and a recess and at least one electricalconnector thereon. The track and electrical connector may be movable inrelation to the housing. The electrical component may further include alocking assembly supported by the housing and operable to lock one ofthe first battery and the second battery to the housing.

Further, the invention provides a combination including an electricalcomponent having a housing defining a well portion in a rear of thehousing, and an electrical circuit supported by the housing, and anaccessory bag selectively connectable to the housing at least partiallywithin the well portion.

The accessory bag may include a handle. The accessory bag may define anopening to facilitate passing of electrical cords from inside theaccessory bag to outside the accessory bag. The accessory bag mayfurther include at least one flap for selectively covering the opening.The accessory bag may alternatively include at least one zipper forselectively closing the opening.

The combination may further include at least one housing connectorsupported on the housing and at least one bag connector supported on theaccessory bag. The housing connector and the bag connector may beoperable to selectively connect to one another to selectively supportthe accessory bag on the housing. The combination may further include anelectrical plug supported on the housing and electrically connected tothe electrical circuit.

Independent features and independent advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detaileddescription, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electrical component embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit for theelectrical component.

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of theelectrical component shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the electricalcomponent shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery and a portion of a power tool.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an electrical connector assemblyshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector assemblyshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the electrical connectorassembly shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate construction of anelectrical connector assembly for the electrical component.

FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of the electrical connectorassembly shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of a biasingassembly for the electrical component.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a battery and an alternateconstruction of a support portion for the electrical component.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of an alternative construction of anelectrical component embodying the invention.

FIG. 14 are views of an accessory bag for use with the electricalcomponent.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a display for the electrical component.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the electrical component shown inFIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a side view another alternate construction of electricalcomponent and a separate battery charger.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the electricalcomponent shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the connection of the handle andthe housing.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a lower portion of theconnection shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an upper portion of theconnection shown in FIG. 18.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of the construction and arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and shouldnot be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates an electrical component 20, such as a combinationradio and power tool battery charger, embodying the present invention.It should be understood that, in other constructions, the electricalcomponent 20 may include another audio component, such as, for example,a tape player, a CD player, a MP3 player, a jukebox, etc. It should alsobe understood that, in some constructions and for some aspects of theinvention, the electrical component 20 may be another electricalcomponent, such as, for example, an audio component, a battery charger,a power tool, a cell phone charger, a power supply for other electricalequipment, etc.

The electrical component 20 includes an electrical component housing 24and an electrical circuit 28 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 2)supported by the housing 24. In the illustrated construction, theelectrical circuit 28 is a combination radio and battery chargingcircuit having an audio circuit portion 29, operable to produce an audiosignal, and a charging circuit portion 30, operable to charge a battery.It should be understood that, in other constructions and for someaspects of the invention, the electrical circuit 28 may be any type ofelectrical circuit, such as, for example, an audio circuit for producingan audio signal or a charging circuit for charging a battery.

The electrical circuit 28 is connectable to a power source, whichsupplies power to the electrical circuit 28. The power source mayinclude an AC power source, such as line power (through a power cord(not shown)), or a DC power source, such as a battery. In theillustrated construction, the audio circuit portion 29 is selectivelypowered by an AC power source or by a DC power source. The AC powersource can be the primary power source for the electrical circuit 28,and the DC power source can be a secondary or back-up power source.Also, in the illustrated construction, the charging circuit portion 30is connectable to a power source to charge the battery.

As explained below in more detail, the electrical circuit 28 includes apower amplifier circuit portion for amplifying an input, such as asignal from an auxiliary component, to the audio circuit portion 29. Theelectrical circuit 28 also includes a power supply portion which may beconnected through a power outlet on the electrical component 20 to powerother electrical devices (including the auxiliary component).

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 24 includes a base portion 32, a mainportion 36, and a handle portion 40. The base portion 32, the mainportion 36, and the handle portion 40 are designed to have impactabsorbing characteristics which protect the electrical component 20 fromimpacts at a jobsite, such as from falling from a height or havinganother object impact the electrical component 20, which might normallydamage the elements of the electrical component 20, such as, forexample, the elements of the electrical circuit 28, and/or create anelectrical hazard in the electrical component 20. For example, thehousing 24 may be formed of energy/impact absorbing materials, such as,for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and/or formed withenergy/impact absorbing structures, such as, for example, bars, baseedges, bumpers, bushings, ribs, honeycombs, energy-absorbing shapes,etc. In the illustrated construction, at least the base portion 32 isblow-molded from an energy/impact absorbing material, such as, forexample, high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 24 defines a receptacle 44 having aclosed end 48, defined by a bumper 52 (discussed below), an open end 56,and side walls 60 extending from the closed end 48 to the open end 56. Abattery 64 is inserted into the receptacle 44 along an insertion axis68. The battery 64 is electrically connected to the electrical circuit28 to, in the illustrated construction, selectively provide power to theelectrical circuit 28 or be charged by the charging circuit portion 30of the electrical circuit 28. However, the battery 64 is monitored byand disconnected from the electrical circuit 28, as necessary, toprevent deep discharge of the battery 64. Such deep discharge preventionis described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,652, issued on Apr. 3, 2001, whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

For purposes of description, “forward” is defined as being in thedirection of the open end 56 along the insertion axis 68. Similarly,“rearward” is defined relative to “forward” as being in the direction ofthe closed end 48 and away from the open end 56 along the insertion axis68.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 24 includes a cover 66 pivotallyconnected to the base portion 32 for selectively closing the open end 56of the receptacle 44. A latching member 67 is selectively lockable tothe main portion 36 (see FIG. 1) to lock the cover 66 in a closedposition (shown in FIG. 1). A cover biasing member 69 is mounted on theinterior surface of the cover 66. When the cover 66 is closed, thebiasing member 69 engages and biases the battery 64 (see FIG. 3) intothe receptacle 44 to maintain proper electrical connection, as describedbelow in more detail, during normal operations or during and after animpact condition.

As shown in FIG. 5 and in the illustrated construction, the battery 64is a slide-on power tool battery 70 operable to power a power tool 71,such as, for example, a drill, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, etc.The slide-on battery 70 is slidably mountable on the power tool 71. Inthe illustrated construction, the slide-on battery 70 includes a batteryhousing 80 supporting a number of battery cells (not shown), a batteryterminal assembly 84, a battery support portion 88, and locking membersor locking tabs 92 (one shown). The terminal assembly 84 facilitateselectrical connection between the battery cells and a motor (not shown)of the power tool 71 and/or the circuit 28 of the electrical component20.

In the illustrated construction, the support portion 88 of the slide-onbattery 70 has a generally C-shaped cross-section provided by grooves104 and rails 108 which extend parallel to the insertion axis 68 (seeFIG. 3). The locking tabs 92 are supported in the C-shaped supportportion 88 and are movable perpendicular to the insertion axis 68 bydepressing locking tab actuators or buttons 112 (one shown).

In the illustrated construction, the power tool 71 includes a generallyT-shaped power tool support portion 116 and a power tool terminalassembly 100. The support portion 88 of the battery 70 is complementaryto the support portion 116 of the power tool 71, and, therefore, thecomplementary components physically and electrically connect the battery70 to the power tool 71. The locking tabs 92 engage in recesses (notshown) on the power tool support portion 116 to provide a batterylocking assembly between the battery 70 and the power tool 71.

It should be understood that, in other constructions (not shown), thebattery 70 may be a different type of slide-on power tool battery, suchas, for example, a battery having a T-shaped cross-section. In suchconstructions, the power tool and the electrical component would have acomplementary C-shaped cross-section support portion.

It should also be understood that slide-on batteries have a variety ofsizes depending on the number and orientation of the cells in thebattery housing. In the illustrated construction, the slide-on battery70 has a first dimension, such as an axial length, and another slide-onbattery (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) has a second dimension, such as asecond axial length, which is different than that of the first slide-onbattery 70.

In addition, it should be understood that the electrical component 20 isusable with batteries having different battery chemistries (i.e.,Lithium-based chemistries (Li, Li-ion, etc.), Nickel Metal Hydride(NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), etc.). The electrical circuit 28 and thecharging circuit portion 30 include identification circuitry andstructure necessary to identify the chemistry of the battery 70 toensure proper charging and operation of the battery 70.

In an alternate construction and in some aspects of the invention, theelectrical component 20 is usable with a tower power tool battery 72(see FIG. 11), discussed below in more detail. Also, in otherconstructions (not shown) and in some aspects of the invention, theelectrical component 20 may be used with other types and sizes ofbatteries.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 24 supports an electricalconnector assembly 144 positioned in the receptacle 44. The connectorassembly 144 includes a support portion 148, a body portion 152, aterminal assembly 156, biasing members 160, the bumper 52, and a lockingassembly 168. In the illustrated construction, the support portion 148and the terminal assembly 156 move within the receptacle 44 relative tothe housing 24, in a direction parallel to the insertion axis 68 (seeFIG. 3), upon the insertion and the ejection of the battery 70 into andout of the receptacle 44, respectively. In part, this movementaccommodates batteries of different sizes.

As shown in FIG. 7, the support portion 148 of the connector assembly144 is substantially similar to the support portion 116 of the powertool 71 (see FIG. 5) with which the battery 70 is normally used. Thesupport portion 148 includes grooves 172 and protrusions 176 whichextend parallel to the insertion axis 68 (see FIG. 3). The grooves 172and protrusions 176 of the connector assembly 144 are complementary tothe grooves 104 and rails 108 of the battery 70 and, therefore, supportthe battery 70 on the support portion 148.

The terminal assembly 156 is mounted on the support portion 148 and iselectrically connectable to the battery terminal assembly 84 to connectthe battery cells to the electrical circuit 28. In the illustratedconstruction, the terminal assembly 156 is movable with the supportportion 148 relative to the housing 24.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the support portion 148 is mounted on theunderside of the body portion 152 and guide channels 184 are provided onthe body portion 152. The biasing members 160 are positioned in thechannels 184. The channels 184 maintain the alignment of the biasingmembers 160 during compression and expansion of the biasing members 160.The biasing members 160 bias the support portion 148 and the bodyportion 152 (and the battery 70, when supported on the support portion148) toward the open end 56 of the receptacle 44. In the illustratedconstruction, the biasing members 160 are compression springs. In otherconstructions (not shown), the biasing members 160 may be other types ofsprings or other structure, such as, for example, elastomeric material.

In the construction shown in FIG. 8, the locking assembly 168 locks thesupport portion 148, the body portion 152, and the attached battery 70in an axial position relative to the housing 24. The locking assembly168 includes a housing 228, a biasing assembly 230, an actuator 236, andlocking protrusions 240 (one shown). The locking assembly 168 has atleast one locked condition (shown in FIG. 6), in which the supportportion 148 and attached battery 70 are locked in an axial positionrelative to the housing 24, and an unlocked condition, in which thesupport portion 148 and attached battery 70 are axially movable relativeto the housing 24.

The housing 228 defines (see FIG. 8) a first path 256, parallel to theinsertion axis 68 and along which the actuator 236 travels, and a secondpath 260, generally perpendicular to the insertion axis 68 and alongwhich the locking protrusions 240 travel. The housing 228 definesopenings 264 (one shown) in both sides through which the lockingprotrusions 240 selectively protrude.

The biasing assembly 230 includes an actuator biasing member 265 and alocking protrusion biasing member 266. The actuator biasing member 265lies in the first path 256 and biases the actuator 236 toward the openend 56 of the receptacle 44 and toward a position corresponding to alocked condition of the locking assembly 168. The locking protrusionbiasing member 266 lies in the second path 260 and, in the illustratedconstruction, biases the locking protrusions 240 toward the retracted,unlocked position.

The actuator 236 controls movement of the locking protrusions 240. Inthe illustrated construction, the actuator 236 biases the lockingprotrusions 240 toward the locked position and allows the lockingprotrusions 240 to move to the unlocked position. The actuator 236 ispositioned between the locking protrusions 240 and has a wide portion268 and a narrow portion 272. The locking protrusion biasing member 266biases the locking protrusion 240 inward toward the actuator 236. Thelocking protrusions 240 lie in the second path 260 and are operable toselectively extend out of the openings 264 (a locked position) andretract into the openings 264 (the unlocked position).

In the locked position, the wide portion 268 of the actuator 236contacts the locking protrusions 240 and moves the locking protrusions240 out of the openings 264 against the biasing force of the lockingprotrusion biasing members 266. In the locked position, the lockingprotrusions 240 prevent the end walls 188 of the guide channels 184 frommoving forward of the locking protrusions 240, and, therefore, limit themovement of the support portion 148 and body portion 152 (and thebattery 70, when supported on the support portion 148) toward the openend 56 of the receptacle 44. Thus, the support portion 148, the bodyportion 152, and the battery 70 are locked in an axial position relativeto the electrical component housing 24. In the locked condition of theconnector assembly 144, the support portion 148 is capable of moving inthe space between the bumper 52 and the locking protrusions 240. Thismovement enables the electrical component 20 to receive different sizedbatteries 70 within the receptacle 44.

As the battery 70 is inserted, the support portion 148 is movedrearwardly until the openings 264 are uncovered. When this occurs, theactuator 236 moves forwardly and moves the locking protrusions 240 toextend out of the openings 264. The locking protrusions 240 extend intothe axial path of the guide channels 184 and prevent the support portion148 and the body portion 152 (and the battery 70, when supported on thesupport portion 148) from moving forwardly beyond the position of thelocking protrusions 240.

To unlock the locking assembly 168, the actuator 236 is pressedinwardly. As the actuator 236 is depressed against the actuator biasingmember 265, the wide portion 268 of the actuator 236 slides out ofcontact with the locking protrusions 240. The locking protrusion biasingmembers 266 move the locking protrusions 240 inwardly as the narrowportion 272 slides between the locking protrusions 240, and the lockingprotrusions 240 retract into the openings 264, eventually terminatingcontact with the end walls 188 (the unlocked position). This allows thesupport portion 148 to move towards the open end 56 of the receptacle 44to place the battery 70 in a more readily accessible position forremoval from the receptacle 44 (the ejected position). In theillustrated construction, the biasing members 160 move the supportportion 148 and the battery 70 forwardly to the more accessibleposition.

In other constructions (not shown), the locking assembly 168 may be aratchet-type locking assembly having more than one axially-spaced lockedposition of the support portion 148 relative to the housing 24. As thebattery is inserted, the support portion 148 may be moved through thelocked positions to the most appropriate locked position based on, forexample, the length of the battery 70.

In other constructions (not shown), the actuator and the lockingprotrusion may cooperate in another manner such as through cooperatingstructure, such as, for example, a pin and a groove.

In other constructions, for example, the actuator and the lockingprotrusion may operate in a different manner, such as, the actuator maymove the locking protrusion to the unlocked position and the actuatormay allow the locking protrusion to move to the locked position.

In other constructions (not shown), the actuator 236 may move in adifferent manner, such as, for example, vertically, laterally, orpivotally, to allow movement of and/or to move the locking protrusions240 between the locked position and the unlocked position.

In other constructions (not shown), the locking protrusions 240 may movein a different manner, such as, for example, vertically, axially, orpivotally, between the locked position and the unlocked position.

An alternate construction of an electrical connector assembly 144A isillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. Common elements are identified by thesame reference numbers “A”.

In the previously-described construction (FIGS. 6-8), the electricalconnector assembly 144 is locked to the housing 24 and the battery 70 issupported on the connector assembly 144. In this alternate construction,the battery 70 is locked to the electrical connector assembly 144A. Asshown in FIG. 9, the electrical connector assembly 144A is supported bythe housing 24A and is positioned in the receptacle 44A. The electricalconnector assembly 144A is operable to support the battery 70 in thereceptacle 44A, lock the battery 70 relative to the housing 24A, andelectrically connect the battery 70 to the electrical circuit 28.

In the illustrated construction, the connector assembly 144A includes amounting plate 280, latching members or locking members 284, a lockingmember biasing member or spring 288 (see FIG. 10), an actuator 292, anactuator biasing member or spring 296 (see FIG. 10), a support portion300, and a terminal assembly 304. The locking members 284, actuator 292,and support portion 300 are mounted to the mounting plate 280, and theterminal assembly 304 is mounted to the support portion 300. Themounting plate 280 is mounted to the housing 24A. The connector assembly144A has a locked condition, in which the battery 70 is locked to theelectrical connector assembly 144A to lock the battery 70 in a positionrelative to the housing 24A, and an unlocked condition, in which thebattery 70 is movable relative to the electrical connector assembly144A.

The support portion 300 of the connector assembly 144A is complementaryto the battery support portion 88 so that the battery 70 is supportableon the support portion 300. The support portion 300 includes grooves 308and protrusions 312 which extend parallel to the insertion axis 68A. Thegrooves 308 and protrusions 312 of the support portion 300 arecomplementary to the grooves 104 and rails 108 of the battery 70, and,therefore, the battery 70 is supported on the connector assembly 144Aand electrically connected (by the terminal assembly 304) to theelectrical circuit 28A when the battery 70 is inserted into thereceptacle 44A.

As shown in FIG. 10, the spring 288 biases the locking members 284inwardly toward each other. Each locking member 284 includes a recess320, which receives one of the locking tabs 92 (see FIG. 5) of thebattery 70 as the battery 70 is inserted into the receptacle 44A andonto the support portion 300. The battery 70 locks to the electricalconnector assembly 144A when the locking tabs 92 engage the recesses320.

The actuator 292 of the electrical connector assembly 144A is positionedbetween the locking members 284 and travels along a path 324 parallel tothe insertion axis 68. The actuator 292 has a wide portion 332 and anarrow portion 336 positionable between the locking members 284. Theactuator 292 is biased to a position corresponding to a locked conditionof the connector assembly 144A (and to the locked position of thelocking members 284) by the actuator spring 296. When the actuator is inthe position corresponding to the locked condition, the wide portion 332of the actuator 292 is between the locking members 284, and the lockingmembers 284 are biased laterally outwardly to engage the locking tabs 92of the battery 70.

When the actuator 292 is depressed, the narrow portion 336 is positionedbetween the locking members 284. The locking members 284 move inwardlyunder the biasing force of the spring 288 to disengage from the lockingtabs 92 of the battery 70 (the unlocked position of the locking members284 and the unlocked condition of the connector assembly 144A).

The terminal assembly 304 of the connector assembly 144A is mounted tothe support portion 300 and is electrically connected to the electricalcircuit 28A. The terminal assembly 304 is connectable to the batteryterminal assembly 84 to connect the battery 70 to the circuit 28A.

As shown in FIG. 9, a biasing member or ejector 344 is supported on theclosed end 48A of the receptacle 44A. The ejector 344 is orientedgenerally parallel to the insertion axis 68 and is preferably a springloaded cylinder. The ejector 344 contacts the rear of the battery 70 asthe battery 70 is inserted into the receptacle 44A and exerts a biasingforce on the rear of the battery 70 toward the open end 56 of thereceptacle 44A. As the battery 70 is inserted into the receptacle 44A,the ejector 344 is compressed until the battery 70 is locked to theconnector assembly 144A. When the battery 70 is unlocked from theconnector assembly 144A, the biasing force of the ejector 344 moves thebattery 70 toward the open end 56A to a more accessible position (theejected position).

An alternate construction of a portion of an electrical component 20B isillustrated in FIG. 11. Common elements are identified by the samereference numbers “B”.

As shown in FIG. 11, a separate locking assembly, such as the lockingassembly 168 or 168A, described above, is not provided. In thisconstruction, the cover 66B is used to lock the battery 70 to theelectrical component 20B.

In this construction, the cover 66B includes the cover biasing member69B, which engages the battery 70 and biases the battery 70 rearwardlyinto the receptacle 44B as the cover 66B is closed. The ejector 344Bcontacts and exerts a forward biasing force on the rear of the battery70. When the latch 67B is engaged, the battery 70 is locked in aposition relative to the housing 24B.

In FIGS. 1-11 and as described above, aspects of the invention areillustrated as these aspects apply to a slide-on type power tool battery70. It should be understood that aspects of the invention are applicableto other battery types, such as, for example, a tower type power toolbattery 72 (shown in FIG. 12) or a battery for another piece ofelectrical equipment (not shown).

An alternate construction of a portion of an electrical component 20C isillustrated in FIG. 12. Common elements are identified by the samereference numbers “C”.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electrical component 20C includes a towersupport portion 348, replacing the slide-on power tool support portion148 and 300 in the above-described constructions, to receive the towerpower tool battery 72. The battery 72 includes a base portion 352, atower portion 356, and a battery terminal assembly 360 and is usablewith a tower power tool (not shown). The support portion 348 is mountedin the receptacle 44C and includes a housing 364 defining a cavity 368and a support portion terminal assembly 372. The cavity 368 has sidewalls 376, an open end 380, and a closed end 384. The cavity 368accommodates the tower portion 356 of the battery 72 to allow the towerportion 356 to insert into the open end 380 of the cavity 368. Thesupport portion terminal 372 is mounted in the cavity 368 and iselectrically connected to the electrical circuit 28C.

The tower power tool battery 72 is inserted into the cavity 368 and issupported by the tower power tool support portion 348. When the battery72 is fully inserted into the cavity 368, the battery terminal assembly360 contacts the support portion terminal 372, electrically connectingthe battery 72 to the electrical circuit 28C.

The support portion 348 may be supported in the receptacle 44 in mannerssimilar to the above-described constructions for the slide-on battery70. In some constructions (similar to that shown in FIGS. 6-8), thesupport portion 348 may be movable in the housing 24C to accommodatedifferent types and sizes of tower batteries, and the support portion348 may be locked in an axial position relative to the housing 24C. Insuch constructions, the support portion 348 may be biased forwardly to,in the unlocked condition, move the battery 72 to a more accessibleposition (the ejected position). In some other constructions (similar tothat shown in FIGS. 9-10 for the slide-on battery 70), the battery 72may be locked to the support portion 348, and an ejector (not shown) maybe provided to bias the battery 72 out of the receptacle 44C to a moreaccessible position (the ejected position).

As shown in FIG. 13, the electrical component 20 also includes a DCoutlet 390 for supplying power to DC electrical equipment, such as, forexample, a cell phone, a cell phone charger, an auxiliary audiocomponent, an automotive power accessory, etc. The power supply portionof the electrical circuit 28 supplies power to the DC outlet 390. The DCoutlet 390 is electrically connected to the battery 70 and, therefore,is operable to electrically connect and supply power from the battery 70to the electrical equipment. The DC outlet 390 is also connectable tothe AC power source through the electrical circuit 28 to connect theelectrical equipment to the AC power source. The electrical circuit 28is protected by a double fuse design having a resettable thermal fuseand a replaceable fuse.

The electrical component 20 also includes an auxiliary plug 392 forconnecting an auxiliary component (not shown), such as, for example, atape player, a CD player or MP3 player, to the audio circuit portion 29.The power amplifier portion of the electrical circuit 28 amplifies theinput of the auxiliary component. The electrical circuit 28 thusprovides a loop for an auxiliary component in which the power supplyportion powers the auxiliary component and the power amplifier portionreceives and amplifies the input from the auxiliary component.

As shown in FIG. 14, the electrical component 20 also includes anaccessory bag 393 selectively mountable in a rear well portion 394 (seeFIG. 13) of the housing 24. The accessory bag 393 is selectivelydetachable and attachable to the electrical component 20, and items,such as, the DC electrical equipment and supplies, can be stored in theaccessory bag 393. The accessory bag 393 includes openings 396 throughwhich cords pass to connect auxiliary components in the accessory bag393 to the DC outlet 390 and/or to the auxiliary plug 392. The opening396 may be substantially closed (for example, by zippers or VELCRO®strips) during operation to substantially enclose the contents of theaccessory bag 393.

The electrical circuit 28 also includes (see FIG. 15) a display portion398 positioned on the front of the electrical component 20. The displayportion 398 is preferably a backlit LCD display capable of displayingthe status and operating condition of the electrical component 20 and ofthe electrical circuit 28. For example, the display portion 398 displaysthe operating mode of the audio circuit portion 29 (i.e., AM, FM, AUX,etc.). If the audio circuit portion is operating in a radio mode, thedisplay portion 398 displays the current station. The display portion398 may also include a clock or other informational displays.

The electrical component 20 also includes (see FIGS. 1 and 15) a controlportion 400 for controlling the operation and operating mode of theelectrical component 20 and of the electrical circuit 28. The controlportion 400 includes (see FIG. 1) adjustment knobs 402 for adjusting thevolume and for tuning the radio. The control portion 400 also includes(see FIG. 15) control buttons 404 for controlling other operations, suchas pre-set radio station selection, equalization setting, etc.Preferably, the electrical component 20 includes a “PUNCH EQ” featurehaving several pre-set equalization settings. The “PUNCH EQ” button 404is a color lit button using different colors (red, yellow, green)representing the different equalization setting and to indicate thecurrent equalization setting.

In an alternative construction (shown in FIG. 17), the electricalcomponent 20 may not include a charging circuit portion to charge abattery 64. A separate battery charger 410 may be used with theelectrical component 20. The charger 410 may be supported in theaccessory bag 393 or may be independently mountable in the rear wellportion 394 of the housing 24 in a manner similar to the support of theaccessory bag 393. Such a battery charger 410 includes a charger housing414 providing a battery support portion 416 on which a battery 64 issupportable. A charging circuit (not shown) is supported by the chargerhousing 414 and is connectable to the battery 64 and to a power source(not shown). The charging circuit may be connected to the power sourcethrough an outlet on the electrical component 20 (i.e., the DC outlet390 or an AC outlet (not shown) on the electrical component 20) or onthe power cord for the electrical component 20 or through a power sourceoutlet (i.e., a wall plug). In other constructions (not shown), thebattery charger 410 may be connectable to the power source throughcooperating terminal assemblies (not shown) on the battery charger 410and on the electrical component 20.

In the illustrated construction, the electrical component 20 includesheaded fasteners 418 which are received in openings (not shown) definedin the housing 414 of the battery charger 410 to connect the batterycharger 410 to the electrical component 20. The openings may include awide portion for receiving the head of a fastener 418 and a narrow slotportion into which the fastener 418 slides to prevent the fastener 418from being removed from the opening to thereby prevent the batterycharger 410 from being disconnected from the electrical component 20.The electrical component 20 and separate battery charger 410 provide aconnectable housing assembly. The electrical component 20 mayaccommodate different types of battery chargers and, therefore, becapable of charging different types and sizes of batteries, includingslide-on power tool batteries 64 (with the battery charger 410 andsupported on the battery support portion 416), other types of slide-onpower tool batteries (not shown, with another type of slide-on batterycharger (not shown)) and tower power tool batteries (with a towerbattery charger (not shown)) and batteries for other electricalcomponents and/or other electrical equipment (with respective compatiblebattery chargers (not shown)).

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate the connection of the handle portion 40 to thebase portion 32 and to the main portion 36 of the housing 24. In theillustrated construction, the handle portion 40 is connected to both thebase portion 32 and the main portion 36 at two locations by baseconnecting assemblies 422 and main connecting assemblies 426,respectively. The base connecting assemblies 422 are similar to oneanother, and the main connecting assemblies 426 are similar to eachother. Therefore, only one base connecting assembly 422 and one mainconnecting assembly 426 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 18-19, the base portion 32 defines a base aperture430, and the base connecting assembly 422 includes an upper insert 434and a lower insert 438 received in the base aperture 430. A threadedmember 442 connects the lower insert 438 to one end of the handleportion 40 and to the upper insert 434 so that the handle portion 40 isflexibly mounted to the base portion 32.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the main connecting assembly 426 includes aflexible member 446 surrounding a tube 450. Fasteners 454 and 458connect the handle portion 40 and the main portion 36, respectively, tothe flexible member 446 and the tube 450 so that the handle portion 40is flexibly mounted to the main portion 36. The main connecting assembly426 absorbs shocks to the upper portion of the handle portion 40.

Although particular constructions of the present invention have beenshown and described, other alternative constructions will be apparent tothose skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of thepresent invention. Thus, the present invention is to be limited only bythe claims.

1. A battery charger comprising: a housing; a charging circuit supportedby the housing, the charging circuit being selectively connectable to apower source, a battery being connectable to the housing andelectrically connectable to the charging circuit, the charging circuitbeing operable to charge the battery; and a locking assembly operable tolock the battery in a position relative to the housing, the lockingassembly including a pair of first locking members supported by thehousing engageable with a pair of second locking members supported bythe battery, the first locking members being movable relative to thehousing between a locked position, in which each first locking memberengages an associated second locking member to lock the battery in aposition relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which thebattery is movable relative to the housing, the first locking membersbeing movable relative to the housing along an axis, the first lockingmembers being movable in opposite directions to one another along theaxis during movement from the locked position to the unlocked positionand during movement from the unlocked position to the locked position.2. A battery charger according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines areceptacle having an open end, the battery being supportable in thereceptacle, the housing including a cover selectively closing the openend of the receptacle with the battery supported in the receptacle.
 3. Abattery charger according to claim 1, wherein the locking assemblyincludes a biasing member biasing the first locking members toward thelocked position.
 4. The battery charger of claim 3, wherein the lockingassembly further includes an actuator operable to at least move thefirst locking members from the locked position toward the unlockedposition.
 5. The battery charger of claim 4, wherein the biasing memberbiases the actuator toward a position corresponding to the lockedposition of the first locking members to thereby bias the first lockingmembers to the locked position.
 6. The battery charger of claim 5,wherein the locking assembly further includes a second biasing memberconnected to the first locking members and operable to move the firstlocking members from the locked position toward the unlocked positionwhen the actuator is moved from the position corresponding to the lockedposition of the first locking members toward a position corresponding tothe unlocked position of the first locking members.
 7. A battery chargeraccording to claim 1, wherein the battery is a slide-on power toolbattery, the housing including a support portion, the support portionselectively supporting the slide-on power tool battery.
 8. A batterycharger according to claim 7, wherein one of the slide-on power toolbattery and the support portion includes a projection, the other of theslide-on power tool battery and the support portion defining a recess,the projection being engageable in the recess to support the slide-onpower tool battery on the support portion.
 9. A battery chargeraccording to claim 1, wherein the battery is a tower power tool battery,the housing defining an opening, the opening selectively supporting thetower power tool battery.
 10. A battery charger according to claim 9,wherein the housing defines a receptacle, wherein the tower power toolbattery includes a battery insertion portion, the battery insertionportion being engageable in the receptacle to support the tower powertool battery on to housing.
 11. A battery charger according to claim 1,wherein the power tool battery includes a battery locking assembly tolock the power tool battery to a power tool, to locking assemblycooperating with the battery locking assembly to lock the battery in aposition relative to the housing.
 12. The battery charger of claim 1,wherein each first locking member defines a first locking member recess,in the locked position, each second locking member being received in thefirst locking member recess of the associated first locking member. 13.The battery charger of claim 12, wherein each first locking memberincludes a first portion on one side of the axis and a second portion onthe opposite side of the axis , the first locking member recess beingdefined between the first portion and the second portion, wherein eachsecond locking member has a first side on one side of the axis and asecond side on the opposite side of the axis, and wherein, in the lockedposition, the first portion of the first locking member is engageablewith the first side of the second locking member to limit movement ofthe battery toward the one side of the axis, and the second portion ofthe first locking member is engageable with the second side of thesecond locking member to limit movement of the battery toward theopposite side of the axis.
 14. An electrical component comprising: ahousing defining a receptacle; an electrical circuit supported by thehousing and including a circuit terminal, a power tool battery beingsupportable in the receptacle, the battery including a battery terminalconnectable to the circuit terminal to connect the battery to theelectrical circuit; and a biasing member supported on the housing andoperable to bias the battery out of the receptacle, the biasing membernot being electrically connected to the electrical circuit.
 15. Anelectrical component according to claim 14, wherein the electricalcomponent is an audio component, and wherein the electrical circuit isan audio circuit for producing an audio signal.
 16. An electricalcomponent according to claim 14, wherein the electrical component is abattery charger, and wherein the electrical circuit is a chargingcircuit electrically connectable to the battery and to a power source,and operable to charge the battery.
 17. An electrical componentaccording to claim 14, wherein the receptacle has an open end, andwherein the housing includes a cover selectively closing the open end ofthe receptacle with the battery supported in the receptacle.
 18. Anelectrical component according to claim 17, wherein the cover includes asecond biasing member, the second biasing member biasing the batteryinto the receptacle.
 19. An electrical component according to claim 14,wherein the battery is a slide-on power tool battery, and wherein thehousing includes a support portion, the support portion selectivelysupporting the slide-on power tool battery.
 20. An electrical componentaccording to claim 19, wherein one of the slide-on power tool batteryand the support portion include a projection, the other of the slide-onpower tool battery and the support portion defining a recess, theprojection being engageable in the recess to support the slide-on powertool battery on the support portion.
 21. An electrical componentaccording to claim 14, wherein the battery is a tower power toolbattery, and wherein the housing defines an opening, the openingselectively supporting the tower power tool battery.
 22. An electricalcomponent according to claim 21, wherein the tower power tool batteryincludes a battery insertion portion, at least the battery insertionportion being engageable in the receptacle to support the tower powertool battery on the housing.
 23. An electrical component according toclaim 14, further comprising a locking assembly operable to lock thebattery in a position relative to the housing.
 24. An electricalcomponent according to claim 23, wherein the receptacle has an open end,and wherein the locking assembly includes a cover supported by thehousing, the cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle tolock the battery in the receptacle.
 25. An electrical componentaccording to claim 23, further comprising an electrical connectorassembly for electrically connecting the battery to the electricalcircuit, wherein the locking assembly locks the battery to theelectrical connector assembly.
 26. The electrical component of claim 25,wherein the electrical connector assembly is movably supported by thehousing.
 27. An electrical component according to claim 14, furthercomprising: an electrical connector assembly for electrically connectingthe battery to the electrical circuit, the electrical connector assemblyincluding a movable portion supported for movement relative to thehousing, the circuit terminal being supported by the movable portion formovement with the movable portion relative to the housing; and a lockingassembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to thehousing, the locking assembly locking the movable member in a positionrelative to the housing to lock the electrical connector assembly to thehousing.
 28. An electrical component according to claim 27, wherein thelocking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the electricalconnector assembly and the housing and a recess defined by the other ofthe electrical connector assembly and the housing, the lockingprojection being movable between a locked position, in which theprojection engages the recess to lock the electrical connector assemblyin a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, inwhich the electrical connector assembly is movable relative to thehousing.
 29. The electrical component of claim 14, wherein thereceptacle has an open end through which the battery is insertable intothe receptacle and an opposite closed end, and wherein the biasingmember is supported on the closed end.
 30. The electrical component ofclaim 14, further comprising an electrical connector assembly forelectrically connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, theelectrical connector assembly including a movable portion supported formovement relative to the housing, the circuit terminal being supportedby the movable portion for movement with the movable portion, whereinthe biasing member is supported between the housing and the movableportion to bias the battery out of the receptacle.
 31. A combinationcomprising: an electrical component; a battery including a batteryhousing, power being transferable between the battery and the electricalcomponent; a locking arrangement provided between the battery and theelectrical component to selectively lock the battery to the electricalcomponent, the locking arrangement including a battery locking membersupported on the battery and a component locking member supported on thecomponent, the battery locking member being movable relative to thebattery housing between a battery locked position, in which the batterylocking member engages the component locking member to lock the batteryto the electrical component, and a battery unlocked position, in whichthe battery is movable relative to the electrical component; and abattery charger including a charger housing, a charging circuitsupported by the charger housing, the charging circuit being selectivelyconnectable to a power source, the battery being connectable to thecharger housing and electrically connectable to the charging circuit,the charging circuit being operable to charge the battery, and a lockingassembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to thecharger housing, the locking assembly including a charger locking membersupported on the charger housing and the battery locking member, thecharger locking member being movable relative to the charger housingbetween a locked position, in which the charger locking member engagesthe battery locking member to lock the battery to the charger, and anunlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to thecharger.
 32. The combination according to claim 31, wherein theelectrical component is a power tool and the battery is a power toolbattery operable to power the power tool.
 33. The combination of claim31, wherein each charger locking member defines a charger locking memberrecess, in the locked position, each battery locking member beingreceived in the charger locking member recess of the associated chargerlocking member.
 34. The battery charger of claim 33, wherein eachcharger locking member includes a first portion on one side of the axisand a second portion on the opposite side of the axis, the chargerlocking member recess being defined between the first portion and thesecond portion, wherein each battery locking member has a First side onone side of the axis and a second side on the opposite side of the axis,and wherein, in the locked position, the first portion of the chargerlocking member is engageable with the first side of the battery lockingmember to limit movement of the battery toward the one side of the axis,and the second portion of the charger locking member is engageable withthe second side of the battery locking member to limit movement of thebattery toward the opposite side of the axis.
 35. An electricalcomponent for use with a power tool battery, the battery including abattery terminal, the electrical component comprising: a housingdefining a receptacle having an end, the battery being supportable inthe receptacle; an electrical circuit supported by the housing, thebattery being connectable to the electrical circuit, power beingtransferable between the battery and the electrical component; anelectrical connector assembly including a support portion supported formovement relative to the housing, the battery being supportable by thesupport portion, a circuit terminal supported by the support portion formovement with the support portion relative to the housing, the batteryterminal being connectable to the circuit terminal to connect thebattery to the electrical circuit; and a biasing member supportedbetween the housing and the support portion and operable to bias thesupport portion toward the end of the receptacle to thereby bias thebattery out of the receptacle.